In Japan, the Security Research Commission of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has finalized a proposal aimed at easing rules that restrict the export of lethal weapons.
According to local media reports, the LDP’s Security Research Commission completed a recommendation calling on the government to relax regulations limiting the transfer of defense equipment.
The proposal would abolish the current requirement that limits Japan’s military exports to five categories—rescue, transport, reconnaissance, surveillance, and mine clearance. Instead, it introduces a plan to classify defense equipment into two categories: lethal and non-lethal.
Under the proposal, decisions regarding the transfer of lethal weapons would be made by the National Security Council, which includes the prime minister and relevant ministers. Such transfers would be restricted to countries that have defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan.
The proposal, which does not require parliamentary approval, also emphasizes that transfers to countries engaged in active conflict would in principle be prohibited. However, exceptions could be made in special cases affecting Japan’s national security.
The move is seen as signaling a “major shift” in Japan’s defense strategy, as the country has long maintained very strict limitations on arms exports.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to the government in March and could come into effect in the spring.